The first group of 62 Thai nationals evacuated from war-torn Iran arrived in Turkey yesterday, at 6.40pm local time, with the help of Iranian and Turkish officials, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry.
The ministry reports that the Thais, who are staff and their family members from the Thai consular office led by Chayanit Prasertphol, an advisor to the Thai Embassy in Tehran, were met by a delegation from the Department of Consular Affairs, led by Bancha Yuenyongchongcharoen, deputy director-general of the department, at the Kapikoy border checkpoint.
The evacuees were provided with lodging, food and other necessities while they were in Ankara, before they fly back to Thailand in two groups today and tomorrow.
A picture of their safe arrival in Turkey was posted today on the ministry’s webpage.
Meanwhile, the Middle East crisis management panel, officially known as the Centre for Management and Monitoring of the War Situation in the Middle East, reported last night that the war in the Middle East continues to rage fiercely, to the extent that the evacuation of civilians from the region is developing into a humanitarian crisis.
Panidol Pachimsawat, deputy spokesman for the Thai Foreign Ministry, said that there have been no reports yet of any Thai being injured in the hostilities, as he urged those living in risky areas to leave quickly and report to the Thai embassies or consular offices there.
In addition to the 62 Thais safely evacuated to Turkey, he said that Thai consular officials there are helping a group of 10 Thais who are to be evacuated from Iraq to Turkey.
He also said that Saudi Arabian air space remains open and flights are still available to bring Thai people back home.
Jiraroth Sukolrat, director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, disclosed that, between February 28 and yesterday, there have been 78,564 departing passengers, who had been stranded or otherwise delayed in Thailand by the cancellations of or delays to 584 flights.
Airlines and immigration officials have been instructed by the government to look after these passengers until they can board flights leaving Thailand.
